Pre apprenticeship training pathways into construction

What it is

Pre apprenticeship pathways are entry level qualifications in the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package that prepare a learner for an Australian Apprenticeship in a residential trade. The two main qualifications are CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction and CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways. Both are nationally recognised and listed on training.gov.au, and both are commonly delivered by TAFE and other registered training organisations.

Pre apprenticeship study is not an apprenticeship. There is no training contract, no employer signatory and no minimum wage obligation. The student is enrolled with the training provider and may be a school student, a Jobactive participant or a self funded learner.

Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120)

CPC10120 sits at Australian Qualifications Framework level 1. It introduces learners to basic site safety, hand and power tool use, and common construction tasks. There are no entry requirements. The qualification assists a learner to successfully undertake a Certificate II program or to gain entry into an Australian Apprenticeship.

The course usually runs over 12 to 26 weeks of full time study. Many TAFEs offer it as a one term or one semester program for school students.

Certificate II in Construction Pathways (CPC20220)

CPC20220 is the main pre apprenticeship qualification for residential trades. It introduces learners to recognised trade callings in construction and provides meaningful credit in a construction industry Australian Apprenticeship. The core units cover work health and safety, plans and specifications, basic levelling and basic site preparation. Elective units let the student sample carpentry, bricklaying, painting, wall and floor tiling, joinery or wet trades.

The qualification has no entry requirements. The most useful feature for a residential builder is the credit transfer arrangement. When a CPC20220 graduate signs a training contract for CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry, the RTO can credit the matching units already completed, which can shorten the apprenticeship.

School based apprenticeships

School based apprenticeships and traineeships sit between pre apprenticeship study and a full apprenticeship. The student remains enrolled at school, signs a registered training contract with an employer and works on site for a minimum number of hours per week. The student earns wages under the relevant award for time worked plus a paid training loading and gains credit toward both the trade qualification and their senior secondary certificate.

For the residential builder, a school based apprentice is a real apprentice under the Building and Construction General On site Award 2020. The award sets a school based apprentice pay rate equal to the standard first year rate for time worked, plus an additional 25 percent that compensates for time in off the job training.

Transition to a full apprenticeship

When a school student finishes Year 12 or a pre apprenticeship student finishes CPC20220, the next step is a full Australian Apprenticeship. The pathway is:

1. Find a residential builder willing to host the apprenticeship.
2. Engage an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
3. Have the RTO assess any credit owed from the prior qualification or school based contract.
4. Sign the new training contract and lodge it with the state training authority.
5. Move onto award apprentice wages at the stage that reflects the credited training.

Funding for learners and builders

Most states offer fee free or subsidised places in CPC10120 and CPC20220 for eligible learners, including school students, jobseekers and people in priority groups. Subsidies are administered through state training authorities and TAFE colleges. Eligibility and fees vary, so check the relevant state website before enrolling a worker or referring a candidate.

Why pre apprenticeships matter to builders

A pre apprenticeship is the lowest cost way to test fit before signing a training contract. The candidate has been through site safety, has used the tools and has met formal training expectations. The builder gets a faster moving apprentice with credit toward the Certificate III, lower risk of mid contract cancellation and a clearer view of work readiness before committing to a multi year training contract.